Barriers and Opportunities for the Development of Small-scale Forest Enterprises in Europe

Abstract

The article introduces the background and summarises main research findings of the research articles in this special issue. The focus is on the key issues relevant for forest-based entrepreneurship development in small-scale forestry in relation to both wood and non-wood forest products and services (NWFP&S). The article draws special attention to changing forest ownership, changing owners' motives and values, and the evolving role of forest owners' associations in Europe. The paper draws attention to the finding that many small-scale forest owners do not treat their forest as an income-generating asset. The ownership of the forests may be more important as symbolic capital than as a source of income. This is quite opposite to the traditional wood production model that for instance most of the Forest Owners Association's still follow. In relation to NWFP&S, the taxonomy and indicators for NWFP&S are discussed and some conclusions from studies on forest recreation innovation and NWFP&S marketing are presented. The NWFP&S sector is traditionally product-oriented, which is strategically peculiar because the long distances from rural production areas to the customers would suggest highest orientation on marketing. Also surprising is the low level of segmentation in the sector.

Tourism innovation in the forestry sector: comparative analysis between Auckland Region (New Zealand) and Trentino (Italy)

“…The best tool for implementing this approach would be to optimising the costless opportunities provided by social networks, online communities, and general online visibility. Niskanen et al (2007) describe the direction currently followed by the forest sector as attempting to deliver multifunctional benefits of the farm and forest structures. Alongside the policy changes, the pressure on agriculture and other primary industries has required a search for new market opportunities that are often connected to leisure demands.…”

“…Alongside the policy changes, the pressure on agriculture and other primary industries has required a search for new market opportunities that are often connected to leisure demands. However, it is a reality that those who own the rural resources may be geographically well placed to offer these new services but may lack the commercial skills and entrepreneurial values to initiate them (Niskanen et al 2007). This gap must be filled, but this may require some time.…”

“…Classical economists focused on the theoretical frame of innovation (Malerba 2000, Kurz 2010). In particular, Adam Smith considered technical progress, embodied in capital assets, which would lead to labour specialisation and consequently to productivity increase (in Malerba 2000).…”

“…Classical economists focused on the theoretical frame of innovation (Malerba 2000, Kurz 2010). In particular, Adam Smith considered technical progress, embodied in capital assets, which would lead to labour specialisation and consequently to productivity increase (in Malerba 2000). David Ricardo analysed the technical change tracing the relation among innovation, reduction in prices and increase in demand, which appears to have some influence on the employment level (in Kurz 2010).…”

Analysing the Development of Small-Scale Forestry in Central and Eastern Europe

“…However, this development faces challenges, for example because the structure of private forest ownership on many occasions is not favourable for SFM (Niskanen et al 2007). The results of attitudinal analysis suggest that opinions differ between stakeholder groups about transition to a market economy and of its effects on SFM.…”